G.E. Gardiner OLD SITE Writing Content

1 – About G.E. Gardiner

Although he qualified to fly most single-engine aircraft, this Beechcraft Debonair was his favorite man toy. GE Gardiner flew for sixteen years.

In 1996, while skiing atop a mountain in Western Maryland, he suffered a hemorrhagic brain-stem stroke. After six and one-half weeks of hospitalization, and four months of home recuperation, he returned to help oversee a contract at Andrews Air Force Base. In 1999, he sold his last business and attempted to reinvent himself. Over the next few years, he acquired six jobs. Unfortunately, he could not complete his work and lost all six jobs. After meeting the director of a Workforce Development Board, he found a position with the organization as a liaison between the board and the business community. In 2004, he began writing to provide his brain with exercise and therapy. His stroke left him with many deficiencies, including minimal cognitive and memory capacities. Because, he no longer had the use his writing hand, and his stroke left him with weak hand-eye coordination, he turned to voice-recognition software. Dragon NaturallySpeaking was his software of choice. Several other software programs were also utilized to accommodate his weakend brain. By 2010, his health declined and his doctors recommended he retire and concentrate on his writing hobby.

Mr. Gardiner spent long hours at the computer learning the craft of writing. His stroke also left him with Cerebellum Ataxia, which provided a host of additional difficulties. His brain processes were not consistent. Some days, he could not do anything except sit in a chair. While other days, he could dictate 2000 words. Eventually, his brain rewired itself. Even today, each morning when his body wakes, he must take medicine before his brain wakes. Mr. Gardiner is capable of creating and writing, but cannot complete Many tasks without making mistakes. After years of experiencing weekly falls, he walks with the aid of a cane. The only thing Mr. Gardiner can depend on is that his brain is inconsistent.

In 2011, he became bored with retirement and began to create novels. Legend of the Paribell: NanoTech, a YA science fiction novel, will be published in the Spring of 2015. In 2012, his short Story, Speed, was published in the Anthology, My Wheels. It’s greatest accomplishment occurred when together with best-selling Amazon author Leona DeRosa Bodie, he co-authored Glimpse of Sunlight,book #1 of the Jonathan Dickinson Odyssey, published in March 2014. He is currently writing Deliverance, book #2 of that project, which is based on Jonathan Dickinson’s Journal (First published 1699 as Remarkable Deliverance“. Mr. Gardiner has been a member of the Florida Writers Association since 2011, and is the leader of a chapter which focuses on story structure.

Glenn Gardiner understands that he is lucky to be alive. Over the past eighteen years, he faced and overcome many challenges. He wishes to share his experiences with other survivors who share the same questions and insecurities as he once did.

Excerpt from “Behavior Changes After Stroke,” appearing in the Stroke Connection Magazine January/February 2005 Of all the areas of life that stroke affects, its impact on the survivor’s personality may be the most difficult for family and friends to…

Putting Words on Paper Following a Strokex
by Pélagie M. Beeson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

American speech-language-hearing Association logoWhen a stroke occurs in the
“language hemisphere,”
the resulting injury often
affects the ability to
communicate in writing.
It may become difficult
to recall the spelling of words, or how to put
the words in correct order to make sentences.
In some cases, it is even challenging to recall
how to form the letters that make up words.
These writing impairments are referred to as
agraphia or dysgraphia.
Most people with aphasia also have
agraphia. The disruption to the processes
that support spoken language typically
also interferes with the ability to write.
In addition, weakness or paralysis of the
dominant hand may require a shift to writing
with the other hand.
There are cases where writing is better
than speaking; or the reverse, where writing
is more difficult than speaking. This happens
because there are specialized areas of the
brain that process the written symbols of
language, so where the stroke is located
influences whether a survivor has problems
with written or spoken language.
For most people with aphasia, the ability
to speak is a greater concern than the ability
to write, especially in the first months after
a stroke. Nonetheless, problems associated
with reading and writing certainly interfere
with daily living. Writing a check, making
a grocery list, composing an e-mail — such
everyday tasks may become impossible.
A look at three patients from our clinic at
the University of Arizona illustrates how such
writing impairments may be treated, and how
writing can enhance communication.
Mr. Thorpe’s stroke left him with severe
aphasia. Although he could talk with relative
ease, the words made little sense. His speech
was filled with empty phrases like “all the
time,” as well as utterances that had no
meaning.
Several years after his stroke, we worked
with Mr. Thorpe to help him relearn how to
write. Over the course of a year, he dedicated
himself to writing homework daily and was
able to learn, word by word, the spelling of
Putting
Words
on Paper:
Writing after Stroke
by Pélagie M. Beeson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Member, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association March/April 2005 25
about 75 words that were important to him. He learned to write the names
of family members, favorite restaurants, places he had lived, and words
concerning his occupation and hobbies.
Mr. Thorpe was able to write these words in conversational exchange
to communicate specific information that he could not say. His animated
gestures and the expression conveyed in his voice complemented the
written words, and he was able to get across a great deal more information.
In this case, Mr. Thorpe made progress with written language when his
spoken language appeared resistant to change.
Another patient, Mr. Raymond, had a less severe form of aphasia that
allowed him to speak in sentences, but he often had difficulty saying the
words that contained the main content. However, he was often able to write
the word that he could not say, so that conversational interaction consisted
of speaking and then writing down the “difficult words.”
For example, Mr. Raymond might say, “The other night we went to the,
uh, [and he would write the word movie]. It was marvelous. You should see
it. It was with… [he would write Meryl Streep].” So, Mr. Raymond could
write some words that he could not say.
His speech pathologist took advantage of this strength and trained
him to use the written word to help him produce the spoken word. This
required considerable effort to relearn the links between letters and sounds,
but ultimately he was able to say many of the previously “difficult” words.
Mr. Raymond knew he was speaking more and writing less because he
used fewer pads of paper each week.
Another patient, Ms. Vines, was a highly educated woman who had
a stroke in her 40s. Her recovery of spoken language was good, and
she ultimately could hold a conversation with only traces of the aphasia
evident to the listener. But Ms. Vines wanted to return to work and her
hobby of creative writing, so her remaining difficulty with writing was a
great concern.
She wrote, “It is exhausting work, writing. Reading is hard too, but
passive. Writing is active. It takes a lot of brain power just to write a
simple sentence.” Ms. Vines worked with her therapist to relearn the
spellings of words, to sound out difficult words, and ultimately to compose
essays. She uses an electronic speller to help her detect and correct
spelling errors and has made impressive progress in her ability to write.
“Today I am exhausted by a paragraph. Three years ago, a sentence
exhausted me.” She continues to work toward her goal to “write an entire
essay without stopping to recover.”
These three patients with aphasia and agraphia illustrate different
methods of writing rehabilitation. In each case, the patients devoted
considerable time to their rehabilitation and made satisfying improvements.
While problems with written language present a greater loss for some
people than others, working with both spoken and written modalities
enhances rehabilitation.
For more information or to find an ASHA-certified speech-language
pathologist in your area, call ASHA’s Action Center at 1-800-638-8255
or e-mail ASHA at stroke@asha.org or visit ASHA on the Web at
www.asha.org

3 -Writing Tools

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Ataxia is a Neurological Disease that prevents the brain from controlling multiple parts of the body. There are three major types of ataxia which I will discuss further in this explanation. In the past, medical professionals misdiagnosed patients because the disease was not fully understood. Some patien ts were even put into psychiatric wards at hospitals. Because of this misunderstanding, there are many occasions where patients were prescribed medications they were unnecessary.Ataxi, it’s types, and subcategories, of those types, have only recently began to be become understood. There is still much work to be done. Very little federal funds have been allocated to the disease.

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5 -Desperation Passage

Author ~ GE Gardiner

Artist ~ Steve Witucki

The Story

Jonathan Dickinson’s Journal is the written account of his experiences from the time he left Port Royal Jamaica on September 23, 1696 until he arrived in Philadelphia Pennsylvania during February, 1697. The Quakers published the first edition in August, 1699. Today, only a handful of original copies exist. At least twenty-two editions’ in English, Dutch, and German have been printed, under various titles. In the eighteenth century, the Journal became a bestseller on both sides of the Atlantic.

It is unknown how Jonathan kept track of the events that occurred each day. He writes that he had no items with him including paper and pen. Possibly Jonathan Dickinson took with him to Philadelphia the personal statements each the survivor gave to the Spanish while recovering in San Augustine. Joseph Kirle, Master of the barkentine Reformation, read the original edition and confirmed its accuracy. The journals most important distinction is that it is the only witnessed, written description of the early American Indians who lived along the Atlantic Coast of Florida.

Jonathan Dickinson’s Journal inspired the development of Deliverance. However, in no way do I try to create a nonfiction account of Mr. Dickinson’s experiences. I am not writing a play-by-play record of the original journal. My historical fiction story focuses on Jonathan’s character as he developed as both a man and leader. I believe that the pain and suffering he endured at the hands a hostile, childish and thoughtless group of people made him search deep within him for the tools needed to keep the castaways alive.

The Art

Steve Witucki has created an oil painting depicting the barkentine Reformation trying to out run a storm. Unfortunately, the ship sailed into something much worse. A great amount of research went into re-creating an image of the Reformation, which had three masts. The foremast consisted of square sails. The fore and aft sails on the main and after mast allowed it to cut deep into the wind. The adjustable rigging allowed the ship to sail in a many directions. However, in foul weather, it was less stable than a square a square sailed ship.

On September 23, 1696 the Reformation sailed out of Port Royal in route to Philadelphia. On board, were Jonathan Dickinson, his wife, son, a relative, a Quaker missionary, eleven slaves and a crew of nine. Not everyone survived.

Steve had brought to life many of the scenes in his illustrations. This is a series you’ll want to add to your collection of art.

A Question of Time (Theatrical Performance) Produced at the Manhattan Repertory Theater March 2014

7 -Co-Author Glimpse of Sunlight

Glimpse of Sunlight, book#1 of the Jonathan Dickinson Odyssey”A brilliant marine archaeologist… A needy college student… A ruthless tycoon… In 1696 the sailing ship Mystique sank and took with it Jonathan Dickinson’s gold, diamonds, and a treasury of riches. Now the wreck believed to be the Mystique remains shrouded in mystery until an ancient journal sheds light on its location, but a dispute over ownership blocks the excavation. In a fight against time with the threat of Jamaica’s colorful past overpowering the present, three powerful men lay claim to the sunken treasure. The struggle that ensues pits them against one another as 400 years of Jamaica’s brutal history is revealed. In a sweeping saga stretching back to 17th Century Africa and the British Isles, these three adventurers and their forebears-an ex-slave, a notorious pirate and a wealthy merchant-battle for ownership of the treasure and are drawn into the grit and greed of 17th Century Port Royal, Jamaica the wickedest city known to mankind. When their pursuit leads to chaos, kidnapping and murder, the question becomes, who will prevail?

This book is amazing. Once I began reading it I couldn’t put it down. The writing is very descriptive and allows you to envision the scene set. All of the illustrations are done wonderfully and are very detailed. The characters in the book are interesting and intriguing, making you want to know what happens to them throughout their lives. This book is full of events that have you on the edge of your seat as you read wondering what will happen next. I can’t wait to read the rest of the trilogy. T…more

This is one of the best books I’ve read recently. The story captivates you from the beginning as you follow the lives of its characters, and you feel as if you are part of their lives! Leona and Glenn have created a best seller…..a Must read! The illustrations by Steve let you visual the story as it unfolds.
I can’t Wait for Book 2!! Wow! Amazing job to these wonderful writers and artists!

Until I read this book, I had no idea that so much occurred in the Caribbean during the 17th century. I knew about the pirates, but not about the mass destruction by man, society and nature. The earthquake of 1692 killed thousands of people. Leona Bodie and GE Gardiner have crafted a magnificent story. The books is full of so much action and drama that it was difficult to put the book down. A true thriller based on life of Jonathan Dickinson. Excited for the next book in the trilogy!

Until I read this book, I had no idea that so much occurred in the Caribbean during the 17th century. I knew about the pirates, but not about the mass destruction by man, society and nature. The earthquake of 1692 killed thousands of people. Leona Bodie and GE Gardiner have crafted a magnificent story. The books is full of so much action and drama that it was difficult to put the book down. A true thriller based on life of Jonathan Dickinson. Excited for the next book in the trilogy!

“This first book in the trilogy of Jonathan Dickinson draws you into the lives of its characters from the beginning!
I couldn’t put it down! Glenn and Leona have written a best seller…..that would make an awesome movie!! And the illustrations and artwork done by Steve are just amazing!
Congratulations Glenn….. CANT WAIT FOR 2nd book to be out”

Historical fiction is not my genre of choice. However, this novel is a thriller. After I got into it, it was hard to put down. The characters are deep and the action strong. I did not know that Port Royal Jamaica suffered so many tragedies. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes action.

This is the kind of historical fiction I love. It’s a thriller. The story grabbed me from the beginning. The characters are deep and the authors have created images I will not soon forget. The action is nonstop. It’s a page turner. I can’t wait for the next adventure in this trilogy. There’s even a few light moments in amongst all the conflict that has been crafted into this novel.

I don’t think too many people know about Jonathan Dickinson. I read his Journal in college, but have not heard about him since. I cannot believe that it’s taken this long for someone to recognize his importance in the 17th century. Glimpse of Sunlight is a wonderful tale about his life before Jonathan Dickinson traveled to America. Leona Bodie and GE Gardiner have brought back some emotions about the fate of slaves, indentured servants, and in those scorned by the plantation owners and Pirates in the Caribbean. The illustrations bring their words to life. What a wonderful story. I can’t wait until the next book is published.

This past weekend I fell four times. On February 21, while transitioning from a wheelchair to my recliner, I fell hard hurting my knee and sending my body into a wooden coffee table which hurt my rib. I chose to lay there until my wife came home. There was no since…

The first few years after your stroke you will have many new feelings which you will not understand. Don’t worry, depending on the damage to your brain that this is normal. Remember one important thing, although many of your doctors and caregivers have never suffered…

Wow. I came from the hospital yesterday and I feel wonderful. Well not quite, but that is how I want to feel. In the past 12 months I’ve spent almost 2 months in hospitals. Myra has arranged for someone to be with me most of the day.Thank you all for being patient….

Many of you know that I survived a hemorrhagic brainstem stroke 20 years ago. This year, I suffered some small strokes. After returning home from the hospital, I have been recovering with the help of therapy and rest. I have also began riding my recumbent trike…

The authors of THE EMOTIONAL THESAURUS, THE NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS, THE POSITIVE TRAIT THESAURUS, The Bookshelf Muse Blog, and www.writershelpingwriters.net along with Scrivner coder Lee Powel have created a new online resource which combines all of their…

IndieReCon – It’s Coming! It’s Coming There’s a free, online self-publishing conference taking place next week. It’s the third year of IndieReCon, and they have an action-packed schedule filled with all sorts of great stuff – a mixture of posts, vlogs, webinars, as…

When a stroke occurs in the“language hemisphere,”the resulting injury often affects the ability to communicate in writing. It may become difﬁcult to recall the spelling of words, or how to put the words in correct order to make sentences. In some cases, it is even…

In 1696, a weathy Quaker named Jonathan Dickinson, along with Mary Gale, their six month old infant son , and thirteen others boarded the sailing ship Reformation for a voyage from Jamaica to Philadelphia. Before reaching their destination Jonathan must summons…